There are people in each of our lives that can have a big impact on the person that we become. These role models can be someone that we observe from a distance such as a celebrity or professional athlete or they could be someone that is part of our everyday lives. As an athlete at Olustee-Eldorado High School, Jackie Ramirez says that there have been some important people in her life that have helped shape her into the person she is.

“Some of my biggest influences would be my coaches and my parents,” she said. “Because my coaches have put in their time and effort to make sure that I do well in my sports, and they help keep me motivated during practices. My parents are my biggest role models because they have put in so much work to make sure that I succeed in what I do.”

Ramirez is a sophomore at Olustee-Eldorado, where she competes in basketball, track, cheer, and cross country. She is also involved in the Future Farmers of America, esports, academic team, and the gifted and talented program.

Along with the help from her coaches and parents, Jackie has also had to invest a lot of time and effort, but she knows that the work will pay off.

“In order to be successful in my sports, it has taken dedication, willpower, and teamwork,” Ramirez stated. “My teammates do a great job of keeping me motivated. They are always helping me stay focused and they do a great job of keeping the team spirit up. I think the highlight moment of my career so far would have to be when I received a varsity medal at my first cross country meet.”

In the classroom, Jackie has been able to learn from a number of teachers, but she says that there is one that stands out as her favorite.

“The teacher that has had the biggest impact on my life is Mr. Whittaker,” she said. “He showed me that  although what you’re going through might be hard that there is always a positive to your situation.”